Aurora Riding through the Heavens [reverse]
Medium
bronze
Dimensions
overall (diameter): 6.93 cm (2 3/4 in.) gross weight: 97.64 gr (0.215 lb.) axis: 12:00
Classification
Sculpture
Department
CSD
Museum
National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.
Credit
Samuel H. Kress Collection
Accession Number
1957.14.1031.b
Art Historical Context
Behold the exquisite bronze plaquette *Aurora Riding through the [reverse]* (1552) by Jacopo Nizzola da Trezzo, a master Italian sculptor and medallist of the Renaissance. Crafted as a small, intimate object—just 6.93 cm in diameter and weighing under 100 grams—this piece exemplifies the era's fascination with classical mythology and virtuoso metalwork. Da Trezzo, active in Milan and later at the Spanish court of Philip II, was renowned for his intricate bronze medals and reliefs, blending High Renaissance elegance with emerging Mannerist flair. On the reverse, the goddess Aurora soars triump...